Harvey was presented with the prestigious club award, named in honour of the Blues’ greatest ever manager, by Howard’s wife Lil and club hero Duncan Ferguson.

Reflecting on the moment he first encoutered Howard in their playing days, Harvey said: “Howard tackled me and nearly knocked me into the next century and I thought: ‘That’s going to be a player’ and he turned out to be a great player.

“He then turned out to be a great manager - absolutely fantastic, great to work with, a wonderful man - and then he turned out to be one of the best men I’ve ever met.

“And he was also a wonderful husband. That’s what he was: four great things.”

Ferguson was asked for his memories of the great Howard and said: “He was such a special man. He effected me, he effected everybody.

“A gentleman, a legend, a real royal blue legend. He played for the club, he managed the club, he won everything, he was just a great man.”

As the crowd waited for a video montage of Howard’s greatest Everton moments to be played they broke out into song about the Goodison hero who passed away 12 months ago.

Tommy Wright

Prior to Harvey, who played for and managed the Blues in a stellar Everton career, receiving the Howard Kendall award, Wright was honoured.

The 1966 FA Cup and 1970 title winner was named this year’s Everton Giant.

Wright was unable to receive the award in person but in a pre-recorded message said: “All my life, I wanted to be an Evertonian and when I signed on at the age of 15, it made my day. It’s my joy to receive this award.”

Everton Football Club ''End of Season Party'' at District House, Water Street, Liverpool Ex Everton boss Joe Royle arrives at District House.

Joe Royle accepted the gong on his behalf and added: “Lots of people have won awards in football but this has never been more deserving.

“I’ve said it before but he was the best right-back I was fortunate to play with. I’ve been watching Everton a long time and he is still the best I have seen in a Blue shirt.”

Everton Football Club ''End of Season Party'' at District House, Water Street, Liverpool Gareth Barry, Seamus Coleman & James McCarthy

Throughout the evening, members of the Everton squad and coaching staff were interviewed to give their thoughts on the season so far.

Everton Football Club ''End of Season Party'' at District House, Water Street, Liverpool Leighton Baines & Tom Cleverley

Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines were among the players to speak

Everton Football Club ''End of Season Party'' at District House, Water Street, Liverpool. Gerard Deulofeu, Bryan Oviedo & Kevin Mirallas arriving at the party.